Dunedin-Palm Harbor Post 2550-Newsletter

by Way Paver

In order to be considered for the VA home loan program, a borrower must meet military service requirements. The eligibility requirements vary depending on when the military service was completed, but can be summarized as follows:

• 90 days of active duty during wartime
• 181 days of continuous active duty during peacetime
• 6 years of service for Reservist/National Guard

For applications involving military discharges that are other than honorable, the VA determines eligibility on a case-by-case basis.

A potential VA borrower must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) before applying for a veterans’ mortgage. The Certificate shows the lender how much entitlement a borrower has available.

Borrowers who are eligible for a VA loan can enjoy:

• No down payment (100% financing)
• No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
• Relaxed qualifying standards
• Competitive interest rates
• No penalties for mortgage pre-payment
• Cash-out and debt consolidation
• Streamline rate reduction

Ultimately, the VA determines whether a person is eligible for VA home loan benefits. For more information on your own eligibility, you can contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or speak with a VA loan professional.

See your Post Service Officer for assistance.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a two-month, nationwide advertising campaign to assist student Veterans and servicemembers applying for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Text messaging ads will also link student Veterans to VA. By texting “GIBILL,” Veterans will then be directed to follow three steps to apply. VA also developed a hip pocket guide and checklist with helpful tips to assist Veterans and servicemembers in the application process. Information about the Post-9/11 GI Bill, as well as VA’s other educational benefit programs, is available at VA’s website at www.gibill.va.gov, or by calling 1-888-GIBILL-1 (or 1-888-442-4551).

Contact your Post Service Officer for assistance.

by Way Paver

If you served on active duty anytime between 1957 and 2001, you may qualify for a higher Social Security payment because of your military service. Under certain circumstances, special extra earnings for your military service during those years can be credited to your record for Social Security purposes. Special earnings credits are granted for periods of active duty or active duty training. For additional information, visit the Social Security website at http://www.ssa.gov/retire2/military.htm.

See your Post Service Officer for assistance.

Lowe’s Companies, Inc. announced today it will expand its support of the military by offering an all day, every day 10 percent discount to all military personnel who are active, reserve, retired or disabled veterans and their family members, with a valid, government-issued military ID card.

All other military veterans will receive the discount on the Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Veterans Day weekends.

December 18th, 2009

Dunedin-Palm Harbor Post 2550 Newsletter

From the Commander:

Here we are at the end of another year and I ask myself where does the time go. This past year we have had many accomplishments. Our own Department President Kathy Roman was selected best President in our category Nationally, our Post Boy Scout of the year was selected as the department winner.  Our teacher of the year has won district and has been forward to department. Our Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen program was a huge success with over 350 essays.  Well done to Sharon Hampton and Jim Bloodworth program coordinators.

 December 19th will be the post Christmas party. There is a sign up list for side dishes posted in the canteen. The post will supply the main course. Social hour will be 4-5 PM with dinner at 5 PM music in the canteen by “Jus Jeff” at 7 PM. We are also going to have a New Years Eve party please bring a hors d’oevre. Donation is $10.00. There will be a champagne toast at midnight and a pancake breakfast at 1 AM. Peppa will be our entertainment.

One last note, MEMBERSHIP is due as of December 31 2009. If you are not paid for 2010 you are no longer a member in good standing so please send in you dues ($30) to the post before then and make us 100%.

June and I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a very safe and happy New Year.

 Dutch Grubbs, Commander

February 22, 2010

Steve Surface, Commander of Florida’s Veterans of Foreign Wars, lauded the leadership of Representative Veteran Buchanan (R-FL13) in introducing legislation which if enacted would provide a pilot child day care program for patients receiving treatment at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center at Bay Pines, Florida, VA employees, employees of veterans service organizations, members of the Armed Forces, and VA contractors.

Surface, an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War said, “Congressman Buchanan understands that the problem of child care often precludes a veteran’s ability to access the health care he or she earned while serving America.   This is not a gender issue, this is a veterans’ issue.  Many of our returning warriors and VA employees are single parents.  While they were members of the Armed Forces they were more often than not afforded quality and low cost on-base child day care.   We are gratified that Mr. Buchanan recognizes the importance of extending this benefit to VA employees, veterans’ service office staff and active duty members of the Armed Forces who serve in the community and are not able to access on base child development centers.   The VFW has long recognized that the Armed Forces have effectively cared for families, it is time that The Congress provide VA with the impetus to become a family oriented agency.  This legislation will not only improve a veteran’s access to much needed health care, but, it will undoubtedly increase productivity throughout VA.”

 Contacts:  W. Benny Bachand     352-622-5126      

                    Lee F. Kichen         941-780-3223

“AMERICA’S DRILL SERGEANT” TO HEADLINE MAJOR VETERANS EVENT DURING BIKE WEEK IN DAYTONA BEACH

March 4-6, 2010, DAYTONA BEACH, FL – Gunnery Sgt. R. Lee Ermey, former Marine and award winning actor will be the featured speaker at “A Walk with Heroes” on March 6^th, at the Plaza Resort & Spa.     

Ermey is probably best known for his role as the hard-nosed, abrasive Drill Sergeant Hartman in the critically acclaimed film, “Full Metal Jacket (1987)”.  He also stars in his own shows on the Discovery and History channels, including “Mail Call” and “Lock N’ Load with R. Lee Ermey”. 

 “When we approached Ermey about coming to help with our event, he did not hesitate,” says Ocean Waters Chief Operating Officer, and fellow Veteran, Stephen Nalley.  “He said he wanted to help out in any way he can to bring awareness to Veterans causes and raise money for Vets and their families.”

Ermey will be joined by Sgt. Major Gene Overstreet, former Sgt. Major of the United States Marine Corps.

On March 4^th, a complete replica of the Vietnam Wall will be escorted to the Plaza Resort by riders with the “Rolling Thunder” Veterans Motorcycle group.  Memorials and tributes to every US Military War and Conflict will also be on display through the weekend.

On March 6^th, a major ceremony will be held to formally honor veterans of every branch.  Ermey will be the keynote speaker.  Civilian and Military guests will be encouraged to purchase balloons from their charity of choice and write a note to fallen heroes.  At 6:45pm, after Ermey’s address, the balloons will be released. 

More than 75 Veterans related associations and charities will be on hand to honor the fallen.  Commitments have been made from 15 Veterans motorcycle groups to attend, as well.

After the balloon launch, a live concert will kick off a night of entertainment on the Plaza pool deck.  Veterans will receive free admission to all the festivities the night of the 6^th by showing a valid Military ID, Veterans ID or Veterans Association card.  Civilians can gain entry through an on-site charitable donation.

“This is not just an event for veterans, it’s for everyone,” says Tim Stockman, Vice President of Ocean Waters. “We encourage civilians to come to the memorial, to see the sacrifices that have been given, and join us in remembering the fallen.” 

February 14, 2010

By Way Paver

German Fest was held at Palm Harbor-Dunedin Post #2550 to raise money for the VFW UNMET Needs Program.  Post Bratwurst Kings cooked brats and they were inspected and tasted by the Supreme Panel of Brat Experts, Al Lentz, Giuseppe Picariello and Jan Calve.  3^rd Wurst was Bob Drummond, 2^nd Wurst was George Urbanick, and the Best of the Wurst was Lee Twaits.  Chairperson Paula presented the Wurst Awards, and celebratory Chicken Dance was done.  Commander Dutch Grubbs gave Valentine Carnations and kisses to each Lady, in the best Ladies Auxiliary in the Department of Florida VFW.

The brats were then served by the “Kitchen Krewe”, with German red cabbage, German potato salad, potato soup and German cheese cake.

The Dunedin String Band provided entertainment.  Sharon Hampton ran a German Auction and Paula sold things at German Shop.

$700 was made in donations for UNMET Needs.  Thank you  Ladies!